Energy Prices Household Support 2026-07-07
2026-07-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The recent rise in energy bills is concerning for many families, especially those in York Central. The questioner highlights that 13.5 million homes are expected to spend more than 10% of their household income on energy this winter and 5.5 million homes will exceed 20%, leading to financial stress.
What steps he is taking to support low-income households with increases in energy prices? I thank the Minister for his answer. Preparedness for the sharp increase in domestic energy costs is vital, given that 13.5 million homes are expected to be paying more than 10% of their household's spending on energy this winter and 5.5 million homes more than 20%, leaving families at breaking point. What further steps is he intending to make to expand the warm home discount scheme, take levies off electricity bills to cut costs, and expand social tariffs?
We are preparing for every contingency and looking at the support that may be required in the autumn and winter. The significant increase in the warm home discount has obviously benefited households right across the country, not least in my hon. Friend's constituency. The number receiving the warm home discount in York Central has increased from nearly 2,500 to over 8,000, to a value of £1.2 million in support offered to her constituents.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions regarding removing levies and expanding social tariffs were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The recent rise in energy bills is concerning for many families, especially those in York Central. The questioner highlights that 13.5 million homes are expected to spend more than 10% of their household income on energy this winter and 5.5 million homes will exceed 20%, leading to financial stress.
What steps he is taking to support low-income households with increases in energy prices? I thank the Minister for his answer. Preparedness for the sharp increase in domestic energy costs is vital, given that 13.5 million homes are expected to be paying more than 10% of their household's spending on energy this winter and 5.5 million homes more than 20%, leaving families at breaking point. What further steps is he intending to make to expand the warm home discount scheme, take levies off electricity bills to cut costs, and expand social tariffs?
We are preparing for every contingency and looking at the support that may be required in the autumn and winter. The significant increase in the warm home discount has obviously benefited households right across the country, not least in my hon. Friend's constituency. The number receiving the warm home discount in York Central has increased from nearly 2,500 to over 8,000, to a value of £1.2 million in support offered to her constituents.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions regarding removing levies and expanding social tariffs were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A Government-funded agency has approved over £50 million for taxpayers' money to fund speculative climate manipulation, such as dimming the sun. This comes at a time when many families are struggling with energy costs and there is potential for domestic production constraints.
Last year, a Government-funded agency approved more than £50 million of taxpayers' money for solar geoengineering projects, one of which endeavours to dim the sun. At a time when families are struggling with energy costs and domestic production is being constrained, why are Ministers backing speculative climate manipulation, instead of fully using North sea oil and gas to deliver affordable, stronger and more secure energy, and lower bills?
This is nonsense. That was set up by an arm's length organisation set up by the previous Government. It is not something that the Government are funding. In so far as that refers to more affordable energy, we are obviously working at pace to make sure energy is affordable right across the United Kingdom, including whatever support we can offer in Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about solar geoengineering was not directly addressed
Nonsense
Arm'S Length Organisation
Response accuracy